Mr. Joseph Nugent:

I thank the Chairman and Senators for their time this morning. It is a real privilege for me to speak on this important issue. I currently hold the role of chief administrative officer in An Garda Síochána but, from 2009 to 2015, I had the privilege of holding the role of director of passport services at the Passport Office. One of the highlights of my time in that office included the redesign of the Irish passport book, aimed at improving primarily the security features in the book itself but also creating a design that would be reflective of what it means to be Irish in a broad sense. We looked at themes that would reflect the interest of the population in the State while also recognising the many Irish passport holders around the world. The Irish passport book incorporates iconic images and symbols representative of the Irish State, including the musical notation of the national anthem, "Amhrán na bhFiann". On the top left hand page of each page of the book, one can follow the bars of the anthem's chorus, providing a unique design component. Most importantly, the anthem was selected to be representative of what it means to be Irish. I have some sample pages, which I am more than happy to leave with the committee secretariat. The use of the anthem music notation has been the subject of much comment from Irish citizens worldwide. The anthem strikes a chord with the Irish diaspora, reminding them of their rich sense of Irish roots manifest through the most audible national symbol, "Amhrán na bhFiann". Its inclusion in the passport design was seen as providing a key recognition by the State of the importance of the anthem to Irishmen and Irishwomen ar fud an domhain. The feedback on its inclusion has been hugely positive.

In using the anthem as one of the persistent features, the design sought to place it as a recurring theme through the Irish passport book itself. The other features take the holder of an Irish passport on a journey from the Cliffs of Moher to the modern perspective of Dublin city Liffey-side finishing at the back with the Rock of Cashel. All told, the anthem is a constant element to link the Irish citizen, through his or her passport book, with a fundamental symbol of being Irish.

In making the decision to include music notation, there could only be one piece of music which could attract the endorsement of the State . That could only be "Amhrán na bhFiann". This is aniconic piece of music, which brings Irish citizens to their feet and prompts men remove their caps, that is recognised by Irish citizens, one and all, and must be respected and protected. Respect shown to our anthem by Irish citizens is something we should cherish and protect. We must ensure that it could never be shown disrespect. The inclusion of the anthem in the passport book is one element of formal State recognition. Its protection, I would recommend, should be enshrined in some formal way.